This was the key topic of discussion during a working session between Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien and the European Fat Processors and Renderers Association (EFPRA), led by Chairman Robert Figgener, held on the afternoon of March 17.
According to EFPRA representatives, Europe wishes to support Vietnam in developing its livestock sector toward export, by helping remove policy barriers and allowing the import of certain processed animal by-products from Europe into Vietnam.
Enhancing Livestock Quality for Global Markets
Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized that Vietnam’s agricultural sector is increasingly focusing on global markets, but livestock exports remain limited. Ensuring access to standardized feed ingredients will help Vietnam improve livestock quality and meet international food safety and export standards.
Mr. Robert Figgener expressed his appreciation for the growth of Vietnam’s agricultural industry and his desire to expand cooperation in the animal feed sector. He noted that Europe’s experience and solutions — including high-quality protein sources and safe feed materials — align well with Vietnam’s development needs.
EFPRA representatives affirmed their readiness to share expertise and best practices to help Vietnam upgrade its livestock standards and build a strong foundation for export expansion.
Commitment to High-Standard Animal Protein Supply
EFPRA committed to providing a diverse range of animal protein products, including materials derived from pork, poultry, rodents, and ruminants, all produced under Europe’s strict food safety standards.
Chairman Figgener expressed confidence that such cooperation would bring significant benefits to Vietnam’s livestock and animal feed industries.
One of EFPRA’s key proposals was for Vietnam to consider revising certain legal provisions to permit the import of processed animal by-products from Europe — a move expected to facilitate greater integration and technology exchange between the two markets.
Vietnam’s Livestock Industry: Scale and Growth
Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that Vietnam already has a comprehensive legal framework governing livestock and veterinary management. However, to deepen international integration, these regulations will be reviewed and refined in the near future.
Currently, Vietnam’s livestock industry is valued at approximately USD 33 billion, accounting for 5% of GDP, with an annual growth rate of 4.5–5.9%.
However, animal and animal product exports remain modest, at USD 533 million, compared to USD 1.6 billion in feed exports, while total agricultural export turnover in 2024 exceeded USD 62 billion.
To expand large-scale livestock production and boost exports, Vietnam needs high-quality raw materials, such as meat and bone meal from Europe, which will help enhance competitiveness in global markets, the Deputy Minister concluded.